Tuesday, September 15, 2009

TREEWELL JUDGING

People outside of New York don't know what I'm talking about when I tout plans for my 'treepits' or 'treewells', that critical part of the city landscape that the street tree calls home. Sometimes it's the only garden that you have, even if it's only 3' X 4'. The trees struggle to survive amidst the concrete, the bricks and the dog pee. There is shade under the trees, compacted soil, a constant supply of cigarette butts.Many designers think the way to go is impatiens, one color or mixed, and it's true they brighten the scene. But a little imagination please!OK, the angel wing begonias are not unusual but the shape of the leaf and the lushness of the planting makes these more than banal.The edging of liriope with its little pink flowers is perennial here, so provides a nice border for the wax begoinas.More begonias, and horrible red shredded bark mulch. Other Ellen likes this style treewell because they've built a little raised planter so as to not interfere with the tree roots. I hate the jagged metal edges atop the stone. A tush preventative is so unfriendly!

Pleasant, withdifferent color coleus.The bark of the syca-more tree the and thetexture of the picketsurrounds caught myeye. How kind of thedriver of the red carto chose a spot whereit enhances thecolor of the plantings

Below, one of my ownfour treewells that Ichange seasonally. I usebare hands to dig in theloose soil so I can feelthe tree roots and leavethem undisturbed.I strive for a garden lookwith several species and varieties and try to never repeat myself. Here the Non-Stop tuberous begonias that started the season on an equal footing with the caladium, became overpowered by late summer and are hiding under the large leaves of the 'White Queen'. Double click on image to see all. Critical note for caladium, wait until the soil warms up in spring before planting ( in NYC mid to late May) as they won't tolerate cold soil. I know my treewells got pedestrian approval because six plants were lifted within weeks of my putting them in. I picture the colorful leaves enjoying some other yard. The thief is forgiven if he cares for them properly and doesn't give them too much sun.Thanks to Brent & Beck's Bulbs who sent me some of the caladium bulbs to try.

Above, another lovely mix. The ivy stays perennially and the annuals change with the seasons in a Westside treewell.To the right, my favoriteplanting of this summer.Lots of personality.No cliches here.But I'm not so enamoredof the grid of fishing linestrung across thesurround. Is this to keeppigeons and dogs out orto make it harder tosteal the plants with onetug? Other Ellen, what'sthe big guy?

Probably an Alocasia, maybe a Colocasia. I'd have to see it in person...the two species can look very similar. Like the Caladium, it's a tender tuber and can be overwintered in a dormant state at about 40-45 degrees F.

Let me just clarify that I don't think those brick tree pits are beautiful, but I appreciate that someone built a shelf to protect the tree roots, not only from people digging among them, but also from the extra soil that some people pile on top of the roots so they can plant there. Adding 6 inches of soil to a tree pit changes the planting depth of the tree, which can lead to slow decline (and eventual you-know-what). Those street trees have it hard enough!

Elizabeth, Does the tree have any sort of surround? Before doing anything to improve the soil, I think you need to stop some of the encroachment.There are Dog-away sprays, not harmful to pets, but you need to keep applying after each rain, so not too efficient.esp

Yes Fern,I'm usually not so complacent either; my forgiveness this time may come from the fact that I'm not paying for the plants directly, my building is, and my share is is only 1ooth. But the day a passerby allowed her dog to pee on plants I had in trays getting ready to put in place, I rose up in a rage and demanded she pay compensation, following her down the street to harass her. Not a pretty sight!

Elizabeth, I think some sort of surround/little fence is a first step in trying to keep humans and pets from just tramping through. Then 1-2 inches of compost spread over the soil, not more, so you don't suffocate the tree roots. Repeat compost spring and late summer.